Lefty Martin Perez, considered the front runner for the Rangers’ #5 spot in the rotation, suffered a fracture of the ulna bone when a line drive was hit back up the middle and struck him in this afternoon’s spring training game against the Mariners. Perez hadn’t allowed a hit in his three innings of work prior to the injury.

The top prospect, soon to be 22 years old, could return in May. In 38 innings in the Majors last year, Perez posted a 5.45 ERA. Baseball America has listed him in their top-100 rankings in each of the last five years.

Justin Grimm is fighting for the fifth rotation spot as well, but gave up six runs in 2.1 innings after entering the game following Perez’s removal. Mike Peasley points out that the Rangers wouldn’t necessarily need a fifth starter until the eighth game of the season due to two off-days.

Kirkman was a starter in the minors and he’s having a good spring so far. Maybe he could fill the role until Perez or Lewis returns. I haven’t seen an good NL starter adapt well to Arlington in several years. I’ve seen Dempster, Oswalt, and Park stink it up though.

Adding Lohse should be a no brainer. Excellent record and we play 33 games against NL teams – 19 with new arrival Houston. He can help with teams even if the doesn’t pitch each game. The Rangers have only 3 solid starters right now. Alexi is not solid.
Colby maybe. Perez possibly. Grab the last of the top pitching talent.

Obviously Kirkman deserves a shot, but there is another bullpen lefty deserving a look. Robbie Ross has been a solid middle reliever with a .212 ERA and put out the fire in several games last season. He’s still a puppy and has had limited exposure, but that exposure was impressive. Still, his value may be greater in a reliever role ~ gotta have some dependable backups and the Rangers are not real flush in lefty pen pitchers. Sickening to hear about the Perez’s injury.